Campaign launched to save the Tipputs in Horsley

The owners are in talks with Ruskin Mill College over the purchase of the property, which would be used for vocational training.

Campaigners are holding a meeting on Thursday at the pub at 7pm to gauge public reaction.

A website has also been launched at savetipputs.com Chairing the meeting will be Chris Stevens, who said: “The Tipputs is a vibrant and successful establishment with a loyal group of regular customers.

“It’s also unique in that it is the only pub of this name in the country.

“We have set up a website and are encouraging as many people as possible to register their support.

“The current owners of the Tipputs have spoken out against pub closures in the past – The Bell at Horsley and The Halfway House at Minchinhampton, so why the change of heart?

“There is a lot of local concern.

“We are hoping to have a fairly good attendance with some local councillors.”

Defending the plans, Nick Beardsley, from the Cotswold Food Club, who owns the pub, said: “We looked at the pub’s future possibilities, including maintaining the pub business, and a sale is the best long-term option for our community.

“We have secured our employees’ jobs within our business, and the new owners can offer a further boost to local employment.

“Many former pubs have been developed for housing but Christophe and I are keen to see the Tipputs remain a positive asset for the community, and we believe a sale to Ruskin Mill will secure the building’s future.”

He insisted that there were many positives in the pub becoming a cafe, shop and bakery.

“Ruskin Mill will offer useful amenities to the surrounding area, and keep the Tipputs Inn as a working building,” he added.

“This change will create jobs and current workers will maintain employment within the company.”